The fleshy root of the beet plant, Beta vulgaris, is commonly consumed as a vegetable when raw, cooked, or pickled. The greens of the plant are also edible and some varieties, known as leaf beets or Swiss chard, are grown specifically for their leaves. Beet plants typically grown for the flavor and consistency of their roots are often referred to as garden or table beets. The vegetables they produce are formed during the first season of growth and are most familiar in shades of red or magenta, though gold and white varieties are also cultivated. Their shape is typically globular or oblong, and their texture is crunchy when raw, but soft and creamy when cooked.